Flexible equipment garment

ABSTRACT

An undergarment for use by outdoor athletes, mountain guides, and wilderness first responders. The flexible equipment garment is worn as a base layer or close to the body and is made of a comfortable elastic material which conforms to the body. A primary feature is a large pocket located over the sternum of the user which is optionally, further divided into compartments for carrying equipment frequently used during outdoor activities, such as a GPS receiver, smartphone, radio transceiver, avalanche transceiver, small food items, water bottle, pocket knife, etc. The location and design of the pocket allows for easy access to its contents even while the user is moving.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/551,865, filed Aug. 30, 2017; the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to an undergarment and more particularlyto an undergarment for use by outdoor athletes and first responders,such as hikers, skiers, runners, mountain rescue technicians, mountainguides, ski patrollers, and the like that holds frequently usedequipment within reach of the user and does not interfere with othersafety equipment or a backpack harness and does not hinder full range ofmotion by the user.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One aspect of the present disclosure is a pullover undergarment made ofan elastic/stretch material. The material is breathable, wicking, andquick drying, and may be comprised of a blend of synthetic fibers suchas nylon, polyester, and elastane. This undergarment requires noadjustment in size or shape by the user and instead intrinsicallyconforms to the shape and size of a variety of users by stretchingsignificantly to fit them. Different sizes of the undergarment may beoffered to accommodate large variations in user size.

Another aspect of the present disclosure is a garment comprising, aprimary layer having a front and a back; a secondary layer having a topand a bottom edge and configured to extend at least across the front ofthe primary layer and dimensioned to cover a sternum of a wearer; atleast two elastic portions having first and second ends the first endsbeing attached at the top edge of the secondary layer and extendingacross the back of the primary layer, the second ends attaching to thesecondary layer; and a plurality of pockets in the secondary layerdimensioned to retain items during exertion of the wearer of thegarment.

These aspects of the disclosure are not meant to be exclusive and otherfeatures, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will bereadily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art when read inconjunction with the following description, appended claims, andaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of thedisclosure will be apparent from the following description of particularembodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings in which like reference characters refer to the same partsthroughout the different views. The drawings are not necessarily toscale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles ofthe disclosure.

FIG. 1 shows a front view of one embodiment of the garment of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a back view of one embodiment of the garment of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 3A shows a side view of one embodiment of the garment of thepresent disclosure on a user.

FIG. 3B shows a front view of one embodiment of the garment of thepresent disclosure on a user.

FIG. 4 shows view of the front of one embodiment of the garment of thepresent disclosure with some internal detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

One embodiment of the present disclosure is an undergarment for use byoutdoor athletes, mountain guides, and wilderness first responders. Itis worn as a base layer or close to the body and is made of acomfortable elastic material which conforms to the body. A primaryfeature is a large pocket located over the sternum of the user which isdivided into compartments for carrying equipment frequently used duringoutdoor activities, such as a GPS receiver, smartphone, radiotransceiver, avalanche transceiver, small food items, water bottle,pocket knife, etc.

In certain embodiments, the location and design of the pocket allows foreasy access to its contents even while the user is moving. The pocketsmay have internal loops for attaching tethers to equipment. In somecases, elastic webbing is integrated into the garment to support theloaded pocket and to minimize shifting and bouncing of the load whilethe user is walking or running. When the undergarment is worn whilewearing a backpack, the design of the undergarment and pockets minimizesinterference with the backpack shoulder straps, and hip belt.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the comfortable, breathablefabric, smooth construction, and low profile enable the garment to beintegrated into the typical outdoor clothing layering system, whereadditional layers of clothing can be added over the undergarment toprotect the user and the equipment carried in the undergarment pocketsfrom the weather without removing the undergarment or disturbing thecontents of the pocket.

It has been recognized that when hiking, backcountry skiing, trailrunning, guiding, participating in wilderness search and rescue or skipatrol activities, and the like, it is often necessary and desirable tocarry certain equipment to facilitate these activities, such as ahandheld GPS receiver, smartphone, radio transceiver, camera, avalanchetransceiver, small food items, small water bottle, pocket knife, etc.Typically, these items are carried in the pockets of pants or a jacket,in a backpack, or in some sort of harness. All of these existingsolutions present significant shortcomings and inconveniences, whichthis disclosure endeavors to mitigate or eliminate.

This disclosure endeavors to provide a solution for carrying some ofthese items simultaneously and securely, in a supportive and comfortablemanner which does not restrict the freedom of motion of the user, andwhich is integrated into the typical outdoor clothing layering systemallowing outer layers to be added or removed easily while leaving theitems easily accessible to the user, and which does not interfere withthe user wearing a backpack.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an undergarment has amulti-compartment pocket situated about the sternum of the wearer, madeof a similar material which also stretches and conforms to the user andto shapes of various items and equipment inserted in the pockets. Thepockets provide for secure retention of the items by means ofcompression. In certain embodiments, the pocket is located 3 to 4 inchesabove the waist of the average user, situated approximately over thesternum. In some cases, the pocket is six sided, shaped like a widerectangle with the two upper corners cropped at an angle to allowclearance for backpack shoulder straps passing under the arms. Thepocket is often divided into several separate compartments which areeach tall rectangular shapes approximately 3 to 5 inches wide and 6 to 9inches tall. These compartments are open on top to allow most items tobe inserted or retrieved with ease, even with one hand or while on themove. The location of the pocket on the front of the user enables theuser to easily access the equipment. If outer clothing layers are wornover the garment these layers need only to be partially unzipped for ashort time to access the pocket and its contents thus maintainingcomfort for the wearer.

In some cases, loops of cord or other material are provided inside thepocket compartments for attaching tethers to carried equipment, such asa GPS receiver or avalanche beacon, which prevent the loss of theequipment if accidentally dropped by the user. In this way an equipmentitem can be removed from the pocket compartment and used, then returned,all while remaining tethered to the user.

In certain embodiments, elastic webbing is permanently affixed to thegarment and integrated into the pocket(s) which provides additionalsupport for the equipment carried in the pocket and minimizes bouncingof the loaded pocket while the user is moving. The elastic webbing maybe sewn or fastened to the garment in a way which allows the garment tostretch. By permanently attaching the elastic straps to the garment thetendency for the straps to twist or shift out of place while the garmentis put on or during wear is eliminated. In some cases, a very flatprofile is maintained where the garment and elastic webbing passes overthe shoulders of the user, so that this area remains comfortable whenunder loaded backpack shoulder straps and no pressure points arecreated.

In one embodiment of the flexible equipment garment of the presentdisclosure, two elastic loops are located on the garment above thepocket for securing a flexible rubber antenna of a radio transceiverinserted in the pocket below. These loops hold the antenna close to theuser's body and prevent it from interfering with outer clothing layersor backpack shoulder straps, and keep the antenna from poking the user'sface when looking down.

In some cases, the garment is worn next to the skin or over a tightfitting base layer, but under any number of mid-layers, such as a fleecejacket or sweater, and under any outer layers, such as a waterproofjacket. This leaves the user free to add and remove layers as necessaryto accommodate changing weather conditions, and the like, withoutdisturbing the undergarment and the equipment in its pockets. The trimfit and compressive nature of the undergarment, as well as its lowprofile even when items are in the pockets, facilitates adding of layersover it. When environmental conditions necessitate the need for the userto add insulated or waterproof layers over the garment, the equipmentcarried in the undergarment will also be protected by these layers.These outer layers need only be partially unzipped for a short time toaccess the pocket and its contents.

When frequently used items and electronic equipment are carried togetherin jacket or pants pockets the items are jumbled together making itdifficult to extract only the desired item. These pockets may also beoverloaded which can be uncomfortable for the wearer and restrict rangeof motion. When electronic items such as a GPS receiver are stored inpockets with other items, the contents may shift during wear and buttonsmay be accidentally pushed by other carried items, which may interferewith the desired operation of the equipment. Also, sensitive equipmentlike a smartphone or GPS can be damaged when carried in a pocket withitems like car keys or a pocket knife. When stored in traditionalpockets, items such as a GPS may change their orientation by fallingdown sideways inside a large pocket rather than maintaining a verticalorientation with the antenna pointing towards the sky, which is theoptimal orientation for most equipment of this type. Additionally,jacket and pants pockets can be accidentally left unzipped and thecontents can be lost. If the equipment is stored in a jacket pocket butthe user gets warm and removes the jacket, the contents of the pocketsmust be relocated or may become inconvenient to access. Furthermore, ifit is necessary for the user to wear a climbing harness, it would beimpractical and even dangerous to carry large items in the pants pocketsbeneath the harness straps, so another storage solution, such as the onedescribed herein, is necessary.

If frequently used small items are carried in a backpack, the user mustremove the backpack to access items which can be time consuming andinconvenient. If the backpack is not highly compartmentalized the itemsand equipment will be jumbled with other items, making it difficult toextract one desired item. Depending on the item to be located, thisdelay can be inconvenient, or even dangerous. If the items and equipmentare carried together in a backpack buttons on electronic equipment maybe accidentally pressed, the equipment can be damaged, and a specificorientation of the equipment is difficult to maintain. If criticalequipment such as navigation or communication equipment or safetyequipment such as an avalanche transceiver or personal locator beaconare carried in a backpack they may be lost if the user becomes separatedfrom the backpack.

Radio chest pouches, survival vests, and military load bearing equipmentexist which are suitable for carrying some items and equipment, butthese systems are typically bulky, heavy, complex, and expensive.Existing methods are often comprised of straps or belts which can becometwisted or create uncomfortable pressure points for the wearer. Manysuch systems also use a multitude of plastic buckles for donning,doffing, and adjustment, which can break or may be positioned underbackpack straps causing discomfort. Nearly all of these systems aredesigned to be worn over all clothing layers or are impractical to wearbeneath layers due to their design and/or bulk. These systems thereforemust be removed each time the user must add or remove clothing layers,and then must be put back on, which is inconvenient and time consuming.These systems also afford insufficient protection of the equipment fromthe environment, allowing the equipment to become wet from precipitationor affected by the cold. These systems which must be worn over allclothing layers are also very conspicuous for the user to wear.

Existing pocketed garments such as the holster undershirt, sports shirtswith phone pockets, pocketed front pack, etc. lack the proper pocketdimensions and location, an optimized number of pocket compartments, andproper support for the items frequently used for outdoor activities,such as a GPS receiver, smartphone, avalanche beacon, and small radiotransceiver, to be carried simultaneously. They do not allow for theseitems to be carried while still maintaining a low profile suitable forlayering clothes over the garment or carrier. Typical existing pocketdimensions do not allow for the optimum orientation (e.g., vertical) ofthese items to be maintained while stored in the pockets. The existingpocket locations do not minimize interference with a backpack harness(e.g., shoulder straps, sternum strap, hip belt), and in some caseswould be uncomfortable or might hinder the movement of a user engaged inoutdoor sports or activities.

This disclosure solves these problems by providing a solution whichallows several items to be carried simultaneously and securely in areadily accessible position which does not interfere with a backpackharness or climbing harness. This disclosure is comfortable to wear,distributing the load evenly over a large area of the torso, andsupports the intended loads adequately. The material, construction, anddesign enables it to be easily integrated into the clothing system sothat additional layers can be added and removed easily, and so that theequipment is protected from weather and freezing temperatures whenwearing outer layers of clothing.

Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of one embodiment of the garment ofthe present disclosure is shown. More specifically, a garment 1 is shownhaving a primary layer 2 configured to slip over a user's head to wear.In some cases, the primary layer 2 has head and arm holes. In othercases, the garment may have short sleeves or long sleeves. In certaincases the garment may have a hood. The garment is dimensioned andconstructed to provide for full range of motion for the user when worn.In certain embodiments, the garment 1 is worn as an undergarment. Insome cases, the garment 1 is worn over a base layer.

In certain embodiments, a secondary layer 5 is located external to theprimary layer 2 such that it is only on the front of the garment whenworn by the user. The secondary layer 5 has a top edge 9 and a bottomedge 8. In some cases, the secondary layer has side edges or extendspartially or completely around the circumference of the user when worn.The top edge 9 of the secondary layer is spaced apart from the bottomedge 8 so as to be dimensioned to be located over the sternum of a user,when worn.

In some cases, the primary layer is sized to extend below and beyond thebottom edge of the secondary layer so the garment extends to about thenatural waist or hips of a user, when worn. In some cases the bottomedge of the primary layer 6 is gathered to provide a fitted fit to theuser when worn. This gathering or cinching provides resistance toslippage and having the garment shift out of position during physicalexertion by the user. In some cases the gather is accomplished withelastic material. In other cases, elastic webbing may be attached to thebottom edge of the primary layer 6.

In certain embodiments, elastic portions 3, 4, are added to the primaryand secondary layers to provide support for the pockets when loaded withequipment. In some cases, a first end of a first elastic portion 3 isattached at the wearer's upper front left side and crosses in the backof the wearer to attach at a second end of the first elastic portion tothe wearer's right side of their torso. In some cases, a first end of asecond elastic portion 3 is attached at the wearer's upper front rightside and crosses in the back to attach at a second end of the secondelastic portion to the wearer's left side of the torso. In certainembodiments, a separate elastic portion 4 extends across the wearer'sback and is attached at either side of the bottom edge of the secondarylayer 8.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the secondary layer 5 has one or moredimensioned pockets formed by stitching 7 or otherwise. These variouspockets are dimensioned to fit equipment used by first responders,athletes, and the like, such as two-way radios, GPS devices, phones,avalanche transceivers, water bottles, and the like. It is importantthat the pockets are stretchable and can conform to various items. Oneaspect of the garment of the present disclosure is providing readyaccess to important equipment. Additionally, the fact that the equipmentis held so close to the body can keep the equipment warm so it continuesto function even in extreme conditions. In some cases, there may beantennae loops and the like to accommodate specific uses for each of theseveral pockets.

Referring to FIG. 2, a back view of one embodiment of the garment of thepresent disclosure is shown. More specifically, a garment 1 is shownhaving a primary layer 2 configured to slip over a user's head to wear.The primary layer 2 has head and arm holes dimensioned to provide forfull range of motion for the user when worn. The bottom edge of theprimary layer 6 is gathered to provide a fitted fit to the user whenworn. This gathering or cinching provides resistance to slippage andhaving the garment shift out of position during physical exertion by theuser. In some cases the gather is accomplished with the use of anelastic material. In some cases, the elastic material includes, but isnot limited to, a woven textile comprised of a blend of polyester and/ornylon and elastic. In other cases, separate elastic bands may beattached to the bottom edge of the primary layer 6. In some cases, theelastics are attached by sewing, or other techniques known to those ofskill in the art.

In certain embodiments, elastic portions 3, 4, are added to the primaryand secondary layers to provide support for the pockets when loaded withequipment. In some cases, a first end of a first elastic portion 3 isattached at the wearer's upper front left side and crosses in the backof the wearer to attach at a second end of the first elastic portion tothe wearer's right side of their torso. In some cases, a first end of asecond elastic portion 3 is attached at the wearer's upper front rightside and crosses in the back to attach at a second end of the secondelastic portion to the wearer's left side of the torso. In certainembodiments, a separate elastic portion 4 extends across the wearer'sback and is attached at either side of the bottom edge of the secondarylayer. In some cases, the use of crisscrossed elastic bands provides foradded comfort and/or support. This also minimizes shifting and bouncingof the garment during exertion.

Referring to FIG. 3A, a side view of one embodiment of the garment ofthe present disclosure on a user is shown. More specifically, theprimary layer 2 has large arm holes dimensioned to provide free range ofmotion to the wearer. The positioning of the elastic bands 3, 4, aresuch that the garment will remain snug when a wearer lifts their arms,bends over, twists, etc. The garment is designed for use by manywearers, but particularity for those who will be physically active whenwearing the garment and need to be unhindered in their movement.

Referring to FIG. 3B, a front view of one embodiment of the garment ofthe present disclosure on a user is shown. More specifically, a garmentis shown on a wearer. The garment has a primary layer 2 configured toslip over a user's head. Here, the neck hole is scooped in the frontsuch that the primary layer is dimensioned to be only slightly widerthan the elastic webbing 3. It is understood that a variety ofdimensions are possible. In certain embodiments, the garment 1 is wornas an undergarment. In some cases, the garment 1 is worn over a baselayer.

Still referring to FIG. 3B, in some cases the secondary layer 5 hasseveral pockets. In some cases, the pockets are symmetrically arrangedalong the front of the garment. In other cases, the pockets vary in sizeand shape to accommodate specific equipment or specific applications. Insome cases, the secondary layer is constructed from elastic material soit can conform to and hold one or more items despite movement by thewearer.

Still referring to FIG. 3B, in some cases, the garment is constructedfrom breathable material to provide greater comfort to the wearer. Inother cases, the materials used will have wicking properties and willdry quickly. In other cases, the materials used may provide thermalinsulation.

Referring to FIG. 4, a view of the front of one embodiment of thegarment of the present disclosure is shown. More specifically, internalportions are shown in dotted lines. In one embodiment of the garment ofthe present disclosure, elastic bands 3 extend to the bottom of thesecondary layer 5 to provide additional support. In some cases, thestitching for the pockets is aligned with the elastic portions 3 toprovide greater strength and durability. In certain embodiments of thegarment of the present disclosure, one or more loops 12 may be providedin the pocket as a means for attaching tethers for securing equipment.

While various embodiments of the present invention have been describedin detail, it is apparent that various modifications and alterations ofthose embodiments will occur to and be readily apparent to those skilledin the art. However, it is to be expressly understood that suchmodifications and alterations are within the scope and spirit of thepresent invention, as set forth in the appended claims. Further, theinvention(s) described herein is capable of other embodiments and ofbeing practiced or of being carried out in various other related ways.In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminologyused herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regardedas limiting. The use of “including,” “comprising,” or “having,” andvariations thereof herein, is meant to encompass the items listedthereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items whileonly the terms “consisting of” and “consisting only of” are to beconstrued in a limitative sense.

The foregoing description of the embodiments of the present disclosurehas been presented for the purposes of illustration and description. Itis not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure tothe precise form disclosed. Many modifications and variations arepossible in light of this disclosure. It is intended that the scope ofthe present disclosure be limited not by this detailed description, butrather by the claims appended hereto.

A number of implementations have been described. Nevertheless, it willbe understood that various modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope of the disclosure. Although operations are depicted inthe drawings in a particular order, this should not be understood asrequiring that such operations be performed in the particular ordershown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations beperformed, to achieve desirable results.

While the principles of the disclosure have been described herein, it isto be understood by those skilled in the art that this description ismade only by way of example and not as a limitation as to the scope ofthe disclosure. Other embodiments are contemplated within the scope ofthe present disclosure in addition to the exemplary embodiments shownand described herein. Modifications and substitutions by one of ordinaryskill in the art are considered to be within the scope of the presentdisclosure.

What is claimed:
 1. A garment comprising, a primary layer having a frontand a back; a secondary layer having a top and a bottom edge andconfigured to extend at least across the front of the primary layer anddimensioned to cover a sternum of a wearer; at least two elasticportions having first and second ends the first ends being attached atthe top edge of the secondary layer and extending across the back of theprimary layer, the second ends attaching to the secondary layer; and aplurality of pockets in the secondary layer dimensioned to retain itemsduring exertion of the wearer of the garment.
 2. The garment accordingto claim 1, wherein the primary layer and the secondary layer arecomprised of materials which are elastic, breathable, wicking, and/orquick drying.
 3. The garment according to claim 2, wherein the materialsis comprised of a blend of synthetic fibers such as nylon, polyester,and elastane.
 4. The garment according to claim 1, wherein at least someof the plurality of pockets have internal loops for attaching tethers tothe items stored within the pockets.
 5. The garment according to claim1, further comprising elastic webbing integrated into the garment tosupport one or more loaded pockets and to minimize shifting and bouncingof the load from the items stored within the pockets while the wearer iswalking or running.
 6. The garment according to claim 1, wherein whenthe undergarment is worn while wearing a backpack, the design of theundergarment and the plurality of pockets minimizes interference withthe backpack shoulder straps, hip belt, and the like.